Amoxicillin is a medicine that many of us know and have probably used when we have a cold or flu. Perhaps the doctor has prescribed this medicine to you and your baby. It is especially easy to give to little ones in chewable tablets . But do you know exactly what this medicine is and what we need to be careful about when using it? Let's talk about it simply and clearly today.
What kind of medicine is Amoxicillin?
Simply put, Amoxicillin is an antibiotic . That is , a medicine that is given to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections . It belongs to the group of drugs called penicillin .
It is very important to note that Amoxicillin only works against bacteria. It does not work at all against viral infections like colds and flu. Therefore, never take this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Doctors sometimes use this medicine for other conditions as well. If you have any further questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you Amoxicillin, your doctor will ask you some questions. It is important for your safety that you provide this information accurately and without hiding it.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have kidney disease | The kidneys are responsible for filtering and removing drugs from the body. If you have kidney problems, your dose may need to be adjusted. |
| If you have a condition called Phenylketonuria (PKU) | Some chewable tablets may contain aspartame, which is not suitable for people with PKU. |
| If you have an allergy to Amoxicillin, other medicines, foods or dyes | This is very important. If you have an allergy, this medicine can cause a serious reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If the baby is breastfed | A small amount of the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it is important to inform the doctor about this. |
How should I use the medicine?
- This medicine is to be taken by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- Since this is a chewable tablet, you can either chew it thoroughly and swallow it, or swallow it whole with water.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food .
- The most important thing: Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it just because you feel better . If you do, the bacteria that were not completely eliminated may become stronger again and the infection may come back more severely.
If given to small children
If you are giving this medicine to your baby, give it exactly as the doctor tells you, in the correct dosage. You need to be especially careful when giving medicine to children.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine is for you only. Don't give your medicine to anyone else just because it has helped you.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin can interact with other medications you are taking, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
- Allopurinol: A medicine used for gout.
- Some other antibiotics: For example `(chloramphenicol)`, `(erythromycin)`, `(sulfamethoxazole)`, `(tetracycline)`.
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting: For example, warfarin. Taking Amoxicillin with these medicines may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Estrogen or progestin hormones: These are contained in birth control pills.
This list is not exhaustive, so for your safety, it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- If symptoms do not improve: If your illness does not improve after taking the medicine for a few days, or if it seems to be getting worse , tell your doctor again.
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking this medicine. However, if the diarrhea lasts for more than two days or is severe and watery, do not self-treat with over-the-counter medication. Call your doctor immediately.
- If you have diabetes: Your urine sugar test may give a false-positive result while taking this medicine. So talk to your doctor about this.
- Birth control: If you are taking birth control pills, they may be less effective while taking Amoxicillin. So talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Amoxicillin can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe watery diarrhea, fever. |
| Severe or prolonged vomiting | Persistent vomiting or diarrhea. |
| Vaginal changes | Women may experience unusual discharge, itching, or a foul odor. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Slight bloating. |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Feeling like your stomach is turning and vomiting. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice.
How should you store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of small children .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections . It is not effective against viral infections like the common cold.
- Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms subside.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing) or a serious side effect such as severe diarrhea.
- If you have any questions about this medication, never hesitate to discuss it with your doctor.
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